Rick began his training by assisting the Beggs Fire Department at just 16 years old. At 24, he was hired as a full-time firefighter by the City of Okmulgee and was promoted to fire chief at 29. At 27, he was elected mayor of the City of Beggs, a position he still holds. Besides juggling these two careers, Rick also finds plenty of time to spend with his 3-year-old daughter, Kai, and volunteer with the American Red Cross and Muscular Dystrophy Association to help the organizations raise funds. Rick’s advice to others who hope to achieve success reflects his own success at such a young age.

“Life is short, so go after your dreams and don’t wait for it to be your turn,” he says. “Never let anyone tell you that you are too young.”

A self-described purveyor of fun, Amanda is charged with producing an annual event where memorable experiences are made and Tulsa’s Expo Square facilities are marketed to achieve a significant financial impact for the community. Her childhood spent as a competitive gymnast made a lasting impact on who she is today by teaching her to be a hardworking, committed team player. Amanda supports the United Way and Salvation Army through volunteerism. Though Amanda says she hopes to continue to excel in her position, she ultimately hopes to become an instrumental advocate for quality of life in Tulsa.

Jabar has come a long way since his first job as a waiter at Tulsa’s Casa Bonita restaurant. As the state representative for Oklahoma’s House District 73, he serves as the vice-chair of the Education Committee and serves on the subcommittee on Education for the Appropriations and Budget Committee. His future goals include using his experience in government to help low-income families have as many educational options as possible. The advice he shares with others hoping to achieve success is that we are all planted here to enhance others without the expectation to be recognized for those deeds.

Lisa’s different life experiences have influenced her, making her the young professional she is today. A former Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, Lisa is currently the chief administrator for Clary Sage College’s Tulsa campus, responsible for daily operations as well as providing key leadership for the growth and direction of the institution. Lisa has managed to strike a balance between professional and personal life and enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Lisa also loves to sing and is a classically trained vocalist.

An attorney at Hall Estill, Terrell specializes in corporate and commercial transactions, tax law and trusts and estates. It’s a far cry from his first job, as a ranch hand at Stone Bluff Ranch. Terrell attended the University of Tulsa as an undergraduate and was elected captain of the TU football team by his teammates; following graduation, Terrell postponed attending law school to spend time with his father, who was ill at the time. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, hunting with his siblings and rooting for his alma maters: Cascia Hall, TU and Notre Dame.
 

Growing up on a ranch in rural Oklahoma instilled a small-town spirit in Scott. After spending time in Dallas, Scott moved back to Oklahoma, settling in Ardmore with his wife, Adisha. He currently oversees multiple family businesses, managing oil and gas interests and negotiating leases, pipelines and surface damage agreements. He also manages lease hunting operations in Oklahoma and Texas, commercial real estate holdings in and around Ardmore and an ice vending business. When Scott needs to relieve stress, he heads to the great outdoors and his hunting cabin.

Though science was always her first love, Kim could never quite shake the film bug. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in film studies, she took to producing commercials in the Oklahoma City metro. After volunteering for a few years for the deadCENTER Film Festival, held annually in Oklahoma City, she was hired as the festival’s first staff member in 2006. She has since helped in the transformation of the film festival from a small, volunteer-run festival into a year round, internationally recognized event. In addition, Kim is an independent film producer and has worked on several Oklahoma-based films, including Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo, Okie Noodling 2 and Rainbow Around The Sun.
 

Charla’s deep roots in Bartlesville eventually brought her back to the community in which she grew up. She began her career with Schlumberger six years ago and was able to be involved with organizations and meet people that helped foster her passion for service for her community. Through volunteerism, Charla supports the Bartlesville Regional United Way, Oklahoma Indian Summer Festival, Young Professionals of Bartlesville and Ray of Hope Advocacy Center and Elder Care. Charla encourages anyone wishing to achieve professional success to remain diligent in his or her goal.

“Hard work and determination always pay off, even if the success you find is not what you had planned on,” she shares.

Ginny’s role as a landman means that she is primarily responsible for negotiation and administering agreements and analyzing and securing title for the development and exploration of oil and gas minerals. A lifelong Tulsan, her roots in the community have allowed her opportunities to support causes such as Family and Children’s Services and the Laura Dester Shelter. Ginny stays busy with juggling her career, volunteer work and a young family, but she still manages to find time to bake. In fact, she says her claim to fame is her excessive cookie baking and subsequent sharing.
 

A natural athlete, Richard grew up playing football, baseball and basketball. He continued the tradition, attending the University of Oklahoma and playing on their famed football team. He eventually shifted his focus from athletics to business, beginning Quantus Brand Consultancy, an “ideas to market” company that works with entrepreneurs and athletes to form businesses. Quantus also helps companies and organizations find their brand identity. Richard encourages anyone striving for success to keep at it.

“Don’t give up,” he says. “And once you reach your goals, help someone else reach theirs.”